STOCKS NEWS UK SMALL-Penna up as job advice demand soars

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13:08GMT 02Jun2009-Penna up as job advice demand soars

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Shares in Penna Consulting (PECO.L) rise 13.4 percent after the human resources consultancy trebles its full-year profit, driven by demand for its job advice services from companies laying off staff.

Penna's career transition division grew revenue by 51 percent during the period, while its resourcing and consulting arms delivered sales growth of 20 percent and 12 percent respectively.

"Penna has clearly been a beneficiary of the turmoil and ongoing headcount reduction in the Financial Sector," says Collins Stewart analyst Julian Carter, who maintains a "buy" rating on the stock.

"We expect strong trading in the Career Transition division over at least the next 18 months to drive positive earnings per share momentum, which is likely to be augmented over the medium-term by accretive bolt-on acquisitions."

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Reuters messaging rm://rhysl.jones.reuters.com@reuters.net

11:06GMT 02June2009-UK Small Caps gain 0.5 pct by midday

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The FTSE Small Cap index .FTSC gains 0.5 percent in midday trade, while the midcaps .FTMC add 0.4 percent, and the blue chips .FTSE drop 0.5 percent.